DK-Optic Chiaro 76mm F1.9

The DK-Optic Chiaro 76mm F1.9 is a manual focus medium telephoto lens for Leica M-mount cameras. DK-Optic calls it a recreation of the British Super Six 3-inch f/1.9, a design from the mid-20th century. Leica Rumors reported on it as a world premiere at the CP+ show in Japan in February 2026. It is aimed at portrait photographers who want an old-style, painterly look on a full frame body.

Optical design

According to DK-Optic, the lens is a 1:1 reconstruction of the original layout with 6 elements in 4 groups. The glass is described as large diameter new old stock. The maximum aperture is f/1.9, the smallest is f/11, and the diaphragm has 16 blades. DK-Optic lists 135 full frame coverage and says the image circle comfortably covers 645 medium format sensors. It claims strong subject separation and painterly bokeh at f/1.9, and rising contrast when stopped down. These are manufacturer statements.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual and couples to the rangefinder. The minimum focus distance is 0.7 m, which is short for a 76 mm lens on a rangefinder. The aperture is a manual preset that is dampened and calibrated, according to the maker. DK-Optic describes the focus mechanics as machined from brass for a smooth, heavy feel. A threaded metal hood is included.

Build and size

The barrel is 7075 aluminium with brass helicoid and aperture mechanics. The lens is 91 mm long when mounted, 62 mm wide and weighs 364 g without caps. The filter size is given as 49 or 55 mm. DK-Optic also sells a Chiaro 76mm f/1.9 for the 645 format, which is a separate product.

Where it fits

At 76 mm it covers the classic portrait range between 75 mm and 90 mm. The closest fast Leica M options in our database are the Voigtlander 75mm F1.8 Heliar Classic, the Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f/1.5, the Thypoch Simera 75mm F1.4 and the Leica Noctilux-M 75mm F1.25 ASPH. Those are built for modern correction, while the Chiaro is meant as a character lens.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Fast f/1.9 aperture at a portrait focal length
• 16 aperture blades for round highlights
• Minimum focus distance of 0.7 m with rangefinder coupling
• Image circle large enough for 645 sensors, according to the maker

Cons

• Manual focus only
• 364 g and 91 mm length, heavy for a rangefinder lens of this speed
• Rendering is meant to be vintage, not clinical
• Small production batches from a young brand

Verdict

The Chiaro 76mm F1.9 is a specialist portrait lens for Leica M users who want a Super Six style look with modern mechanical build. It fits owners who already know the vintage original and want a new copy. Anyone who prefers a corrected 75 mm should compare it with the other 75 mm lenses in the database.